Digital fitness trainer

ABSTRACT

A system for and method of weight training performance recordation and analysis are provided. In accordance with the present invention, a user records workout data such as but not limited to type of workout, muscle group, wait time between sets, amount of weight and number of sets in an acquisition component and records the performance data to a database. The stored information can later be retrieved from the database by the user for visualization and analysis. This invention is a portable electronic device that helps gym goers track and organize their exercise progress, offers easy viewing on a computer, and give advice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the sport of weight training. More particularly, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented system for and method of recording and analyzing weight training performance.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Weight training is one of the most popular fitness activities in the United States. With the recent entrance of Arnold Schwarzenegger into the weight training spotlight in the 1970's, the popularity of weight training continues to increase at a rapid rate.

Because of the risks of injury and plateau associated with weight training, people are constantly searching for ways to improve their weight training skills. Aside from instructional books and equipment, one improvement tool which is gained popularity is the use of notebooks to record and analyze weight training performance.

Beginner and intermediate level gym goers often track their progress on a notebook because the amount they can lift changes rapidly. There are many exercises that need to be tracked and the progress can be forgotten before being recorded onto the notebook. Beginners also have little knowledge on proper work outs.

Today's market contains various computer-related products designed to help people improve their weight training performance. These products take the form of both stand-alone software packages and Internet Web sites. These prior art products, however, have largely proven unsatisfactory to many consumers for a number of reasons. First, many of largely proven unsatisfactory to many consumers for a number of reasons. First, many of these prior art products have limited utility and versatility, often making them undesirable to the average consumer. Second, many of these prior art products are functionally complicated and difficult to use, further rendering them undesirable to consumers. Third, many of these prior art products do not provide a simple and user-friendly user interface, further making them difficult to use. Fourth, many of these prior art products only record data in a limited fashion and does not recommend entirely new workout sessions to aid the person from hitting a plateau. Fifth, many other prior art does not allow for immediate input of workout data or provide new logic driven training schedules.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-implemented weight training performance recording and analysis tool which overcomes the problems associated with the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable computer-implemented weight training performance recording and analysis tool which has increased utility and versatility as compared to the prior art and which is easier to use. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable computer-implemented weight training performance recording and analysis tool which provides a more simple and user-friendly user interface as compared to prior art products. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a computer-implemented weight training performance recording and analysis tool which records data at the gym immediately after each workout and uses the recorded data to provide detailed and comprehensive analytic functionality. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following discussion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves the foregoing and other objects by providing a novel and non-obvious system for and method of weight training performance recordation and analysis.

A system for and method of weight training performance recordation and analysis are provided. In accordance with the present invention, a user records workout data such as but not limited to type of workout, muscle group, wait time between sets, amount of weight and number of sets in an acquisition component and records the performance data to a database. The stored information can later be retrieved from the database by the user for visualization and analysis.

The principle behind the current invention is to provide a system in which a person's entire workout is recorded and automatically analyzed to produce the next most effective workout based upon the information entered for the prior workout. The preferred embodiment allows for the device to aid the person in weight training effectively and safely. The current invention will monitor and suggest weight increases during the entire span of the person's weight training regimen. Another purpose of the current invention is to input variables into the person's workout such that each muscle group will be sufficiently confused such to avoid any type of plateau where no gains or little gains will be had in the person's workout.

The invention will attach to the gym goers' arm. There are four functions the user can use at the gym, 1) input exercise record without work out plan, 2) create work out plan and input record as user completes exercises, 3) choose a pre-set work out plan and input records as user completes exercises, and 4) view past exercise records.

When at home the user can connect the invention to their computer and do four things, 1) recharge battery, 2) download data from the invention and organize into tables and graphs which can also be uploaded to interne blogs, 3) analyze work out and progress and ask for advice, and 4) create work out plan.

The present invention will now be described in greater detail with frequent reference being made to the drawings identified below in which identical numerals represent identical elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of using the current invention.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the analysis of workouts.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for replacing exercises.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for creating a schedule.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of initial screens.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of manual training options.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of entering personal information.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of choosing exercise options continued from FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of saved training information.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the training log.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of analysis and advice.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of selection of exercise options.

FIG. 13 shows a screen shots of body parts to be exercised.

FIG. 14 shows a screen shots of training sessions.

FIG. 15 shows a screen shots of training sessions.

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present invention. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the disclosure set forth herein may be applicable to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the claims hereto appended. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the disclosure set forth herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a portable transaction exercise data capture and analysis system comprises a data input interface, a display module, CPU, storage module, which may include wireless connectivity, and a wired data transfer interface.

In one embodiment of the current invention there maybe a data transfer interface comprises a port for connecting to another computing device such as a computer, internet terminal, gaming device and writes the exercise data to the portable exercise data capture and analysis module, and a port for connecting to the portable exercise data capture and analysis module.

The data transfer interface comprises a port for connecting to the portable exercise data capture and analysis module, a port for connecting to a computing device through port on computing device, and exercise data recording and analysis software that writes the exercise data from the portable exercise data capture and analysis module to the computing device. The exercise data is accessible to the computing device for storage and processing. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, a computing device may be a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, or other portable computing device.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the exercise data recording and analysis software comprises software application selected by a user of the exercise data capture system to be installed onto a portable computing device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable gaming devices, mobile telephone devices, and mobile computers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, portable exercise data capture and analysis module comprises ports and USB ports. However, this is not meant as a limitation. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the connections describe herein may be established over wired or wireless connections without departing from scope of the present invention. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, ports may be wireless ports supporting a spread spectrum signal, an 802.11 signal, or a Bluetooth signal. Alternatively, said portable exercise data capture and analysis module may be a stand alone device which does not have any wired or wireless connectivity to other devices.

The data transfer interface is integrated with a computing device and comprises exercise data recording and analysis software that writes the exercise data from the portable exercise data capture and analysis module to the computing device. The computing device communicates with the data transfer interface through computing device port. The exercise data is accessible to the computing device for storage and processing. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, a computing device may be a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, or other portable computing device.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the data capture software comprises a exercise data recording and analysis driver that is compatible with the electronic transaction device. In this embodiment, the exercise data capture and analysis system can be implemented with minimal changes to existing portable computing device.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the exercise data recording and analysis software comprises a portable exercise data capture and analysis module and processes the exercise data by the computing device to maximize users' workouts and increases in weight training variables.

Exercise data capture system comprises a data capture interface/data input interface comprising voice input device, touch screen input device, or keyboard input device.

The exercise data is accessible to the computing device for storage and additional processing. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, a computing device may be a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, or other portable computing device.

In one embodiment, a voice-recognition application is installed in CPU/processor that can translate human voice input through microphone to digital signals. Processor generates and accepts digital. In one embodiment, these digital signals activate the programming mode and operation modes, as well as provide for exercise data input. In this embodiment, signals from processor are translated into voice messages and sent out through speaker of interactivity.

Said system may use audible prompts either as tones or spoken commands instead of or in addition to using display. User input may include buttons or voice recognition capability and a microphone. User input may include a set of selection buttons and a separate set of function buttons that control which menus are displayed. User input and display may be combined in a touch screen display.

A basic method of the present invention includes capturing transaction exercise data from the input module interface by receiving exercise data, storing the exercise data in a memory of a portable exercise data capture and analysis module, processing the exercise data and displaying results to said user through the display module.

Variations on the basic system include those wherein the electronic transaction device is selected from the group consisting of a computer. Other variations on the basic system include those wherein the portable exercise data capture and analysis module is selected from the group consisting of personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable gaming devices, mobile telephone devices, and mobile computers.

I. Downloading to Existing Device

As indicated above, there are at least three different methods of utilizing the current invention which may be used in accordance with the present invention: (1) off-line loading of software from a tangible medium into a portable device, such as a computer (as used herein, the term “computer” refers to any type of data acquisition device capable of performing the functions described herein, including, but not limited to, a laptop computer; portable device with a display, central processing unit, storage, user interface, and display; or a PDA (e.g., cell phone, PalmPilot)) using appropriately configured software; (2) on-line data acquisition in which the user utilizes the portable device to access a WWW site using a WWW browser and inputs and downloads the current software to the device; and (3) all the software required is preloaded onto a device which intended to be used as the current invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that both off-line and on-line data acquisition are not limited to use of a WWW. Rather, any computer on any accessible communications network may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a system and method for deploying one or more graphical training programs on a portable computing device. In the preferred embodiment, the portable computing device comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) device. Other examples of portable computing devices include mobile terminals, handheld computers, wearable devices (e.g., wristwatch computers), “smart” cellular telephones, game consoles, global positioning system (GPS) units, electronic textbook devices, etc.

Analyzing and Advice

The device will be able to analyze the user's training record and give advice on what to change in the work out. The advice will generate a work out routine that can be selected in Saved Training.

The device will assign points to each element of the exercise and analyze the points to offer advice. For example, the frequency of the exercise, what muscle the exercise hits, and the number of sets and reps.

The device will add up the points fo each exercise and muscle part and see if the same exercise is being used too frequently. For example, if the user does only shoulder width bench presses, the device will recommend close grip bench press to hit the inner chest.

Each muscle has different parts, for example the chest is comprised of the upper, lower, inner, and outer pectoris. To achieve a fuller chest, each of the four parts needs to be worked on in a balanced manner. The device will assign points to the muscle parts for each exercise, for example, a shoulder width bench press will be 3 points of upper and outer pectoris, and 1 point of lower and inner pectoris.

A close grip bench press will be 3 points of lower and inner pectoris, and 1 point of upper and outer pectoris. By adding up the points and comparing to other body parts, the device will be able to analyze which muscle part needs to be worked on.

This method is also used in the body part as well. Each exercise will have body part points, for example preacher curls will be 1 point biceps and military squats will be 1 point legs. By adding these points up, the device can analyze which body part needs to be worked on.

The device will also analyze whether the user has been using the same number of sets and reps for too long. This is to switch between mass gain and endurance exercise as it is effective in shocking the muscle to break out of the same routine. The device will group sets into 1 to 3, 4 to 5, and 6 and above. The device will group reps into 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 11 to 13, and 14 and above. If the same group has been used 80% of the time in both the past two weeks and past two month, the device will recommend switching the number of sets and reps to a group two levels above or below. For example, if the user has been doing 3 sets of 7 reps each for the past two months, the device will recommend 5 sets of 13 reps (which are two groups above the current). If the user has been doing 8 sets of 15 reps, the device will recommend 5 sets of 8 reps (which is two groups below the current). This analysis is to prohibit the user from doing a similar routine too often so, if the user has a balanced mix up, this analysis will not be used.

Menu

The option menu for the device will look like this:

-   -   View Muscle Parts     -   Training FAQs (?)     -   Backlight options     -   Time Setting

View Muscle Parts

This screen shows a picture of the body from front and rear view, and by scrolling through with the up and down buttons the user can highlight body parts. The left and right buttons switches from front and rear view. By selecting the body part with the enter button, it shows a list of muscle parts, like Screen #6 from Record Viewing Screen by Muscle Part. User can then select the muscle part, which then shows an explanation of the muscle.

Training FAQs

Beginners usually have millions of questions concerning body training. A FAQ for each demographic, such as how should a female, person over 40, disabled person, etc should exercise in a specific and different routine.

Backlight Options

Adjust the brightness of backlight and time of inactivity for auto backlight turn off.

Time Setting

Adjust time and date.

Training Interface

Screen #9=The first screen after choosing preset training will ask for the user's weight, age, and level of exercise (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). The three input data will be lined up vertically, and can be scrolled through with up and down. The default input data will be the same as the one entered last time. To change the values, scroll through with left and right. Once these are set, press enter to move to Screen #10. Screen #10=Depending on the level of exercise the user chooses, the next screen will look different. Screen #10 is in the case of beginner level. It will show the session number on top. The user can choose to view the list of exercises (Screen #11) or start training (Screen #13). The user can scroll through the two options with the up and down buttons, and choose the option with the right or enter buttons. Screen #11=This screen shows the list of exercises planned for that level. The exercises can be scrolled through with the up and down buttons. By pressing the right button it will show details of the exercise as illustrated in Screen #12. Screen #12=The details include a written description of how to perform the exercise, what muscles it hits, and any cautions. Up and down buttons scroll through the explanation and left button goes back to Screen #11. Screen #13=The first screen of the actual training goes straight to the first exercise. It shows the exercise session number, the name of the first exercise, and a input box for the number of reps and resistance, and confirm. Up and down buttons scrolls between the input box for number of reps and resistance and confirm, left and right buttons changes the numbers, and enter button on confirm will go to the next exercise. Screen #14=This screen shows a message saying the work out session was completed, how many minutes were spent, go over the results, and fix any mistakes.

Record Viewing Screen

In the record viewing screen you can choose to view record by the training session number or the muscle part. Press up or down to choose between the two option and enter to choose.

When viewing by training session:

Screen #1=The training session can be scrolled through by up or down buttons and it shows the date under the training session. Press enter to choose the training session shown in Screen #2. Press left to go back to Record Viewing screen. Screen #2=This screen lists the exercises listed up in order of completion. Up and down buttons scrolls through exercises and enter buttons selects highlighted exercise show in Screen #3. Press left button to go back to previous screen. Screen #3=This screen shows how many sets and repetitions were done at how much resistance for the selected exercise. Pressing the up and down buttons scrolls through the same exercises done at different sessions and selecting will go to Screen #4. Pressing the left button goes back to Screen #2. Screen #4=Shows the details of the exercise done on that date. Up and down buttons scrolls through the exercise done on different dates and left button goes back to Screen #3.

When viewing by muscle parts:

Screen #5=The muscle parts can be scrolled through first by body parts, which upon selection breaks down into muscle parts. Screen #5 shows the body parts from top to bottom of the body, neck to legs. Up and down buttons scroll through body parts. Left button goes back to Record Viewing screen. Enter button shows a list of muscle parts as of Screen #6. Screen #6=The body part list is expanded into sub branches to show muscle parts and the highlight is moved to the first item in the sub branch. Up and down scrolls through sub branch. Left button collapses the muscle part sub branch and moves highlight back to body part. Enter chooses muscle part, moving on to Screen #7. Screen #7=This screen shows the list of exercises for the selected muscle part. The primary muscle are listed first and then the secondary, both in alphabetical order. The up and down buttons scrolls through the lists of exercises. Left buttons goes back to Screen #6. Enter button selects the exercise and moves to Screen #8. Screen #8=Shows the details of the exercise done most recently. Up and down buttons scrolls through the exercise done on different dates and left button goes back to Screen #7.

At Gym Use

The Gym Helper will comfortably attach to the arm and user can record progress with the four input buttons. Gym Helper can keep track of your progress as the user complete exercises or by following a training schedule the user set before hand. The four input buttons will be left, right, select, and return.

-   -   Home Screen     -   User can choose from         -   1—On the go work out         -   2—Scheduled work out         -   3—View training log         -   4—Options     -   Example screen for on the go work out (input buttons switches         parameters)         -   Line number on LCD             -   1 Type of exercise             -   2 Number of total sets             -   3 Current set number             -   4 Number of reps finished.         -   Example screen for training log viewing (input buttons             switches parameters)         -   Line number on LCD             -   1 Session # and date             -   2 Type of exercise             -   3 Number of Sets=3, Total Reps=30             -   4 Resistance: 25 lbs, 30 lbs, 35 lbs

At Home Use

Gym Helper connects to the computer through USB wire for data upload and download.

Digital Fitness Trainer—Export Excel Sheet and Calendar

To help act as a motivator for working out, the Digital Fitness Trainer (DFT) can output progress charts and calendar so the trainee can view how much progress they have made and the plans ahead of them. Once the DFT is connected to a computer, it can sync the information stored in the DFT to the DFT program on the computer, which can be used for viewing, exporting to excel sheets, or uploading to the internet.

The DFT program will have the exact same functions as the terminal and will also have the ability to visually represent the below described functions.

The calendar will be a visual representation of which days the trainee is scheduled to work out, which days the trainee did work out, and which days the trainee skipped a work out. The trainee will be able to schedule his work outs from the calendar. The trainee can see the details of the work out for the days they click on. The trainee can also configure the work out menu for that day. Trainee can also post notes for each day on the calendar.

The progress chart will show the progress made for each exercise. The chart can show the progress of reps, sets, and resistance for each exercise. The merit of this is the trainee can visually see their progress. For cardiovascular activities, the duration and distance will be displayed.

The data can be uploaded/synced with the profile on the DFT website. This can allow the user to share work outs with others and incorporate charts into their blogs. The user can hide the information.

Digital Fitness Trainer—Export Excel Sheet and Calendar

To help act as a motivator for working out, the Digital Fitness Trainer (DFT) can output progress charts and calendar so the trainee can view how much progress they have made and the plans ahead of them. Once the DFT is connected to a computer, it can sync the information stored in the DFT to the DFT program on the computer, which can be used for viewing, exporting to excel sheets, or uploading to the internet.

The DFT program will have the exact same functions as the terminal and will also have the ability to visually represent the below described functions.

The calendar will be a visual representation of which days the trainee is scheduled to work out, which days the trainee did work out, and which days the trainee skipped a work out. The trainee will be able to schedule his work outs from the calendar. The trainee can see the details of the work out for the days they click on. The trainee can also configure the work out menu for that day. Trainee can also post notes for each day on the calendar.

The progress chart will show the progress made for each exercise. The chart can show the progress of reps, sets, and resistance for each exercise. The merit of this is the trainee can visually see their progress. For cardiovascular activities, the duration and distance will be displayed.

The data can be uploaded/synced with the profile on the DFT website. This can allow the user to share work outs with others and incorporate charts into their blogs. The user can hide the information.

Digital Fitness Trainer—Community Website

Many people find comfort and enjoyment belonging to an online community and this will become a great opportunity to maximize the potentials of the Digital Fitness Trainer (DFT). By using the internet as a medium, many people with various backgrounds and needs can connect with other individuals in similar situations to share relevant information and experiences, which leads to medical, professional, hobby uses, and much more.

The demand for community websites are growing rapidly, such as Facebook.com, Linkedin.com, Nike+, and many other various types of online communities. A community website that utilizes the DFT will be able to create a new niche in the market that has great potential. Users will be able to search and share real information from other people with similar goals and circumstances, instead of reading from a book that is too general. Generalized information will not be beneficial for people with special circumstances and may lead to negative effects. The exchange of relevant information will be extremely useful in many situations such as someone who amputated a leg looking for someone who can advise them on for a work out menu, a person with asthma who is looking for a safe work out, or someone who wants to ask someone with the same nationality and weight for an easy weight loss program. There are also medical implications where doctors can track an injured athlete's work out session to determine whether the athlete is over working or not.

The community website can also allow users to create profiles where they can write general self introductions to how many inches they gained on their biceps or lost around their waist, and even keep blogs and graphs that show the progress. From the profile created, the DFT community website can also feature outstanding gym goers on their top page through interviews or host various rankings. By creating an online profile, each member will have a stronger sense of an identity both within the online community as well as every time they hit the gym as they can share that day's progress with others. This will have a positive effect on the gym goer's motivation, which may be important in a team setting. A team coach can set up a group community for his foot ball team so each team mate can compare their work outs and give advice to each other. It can also be between two high school friends who were separated by college but want to continue competing against each other on their work out.

Through the community website, users can also download updates to their DFT software or download work out menus that other users have created.

While the above invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. One skilled in the art may find variations of these preferred embodiments which, nevertheless, fall within the spirit of the present invention, whose scope is defined by the claims set forth below 

1. An apparatus to maximize the results of weight training on a portable device with workout data storage, computation and planning function comprising: a. a memory unit to store file information; b. At least one user interface port unit to interface with a central processing unit; c. At least one display unit to output training information to the user; and d. At least one central processing unit electronically connected to said memory unit, user interface, and display unit.
 2. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein the portable electronic apparatus further comprises: a control panel; earphone socket and control keys on the user interface, wherein the control keys function for MP3 playback, digital data transfer, data input, and accessing.
 3. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein the user utilizes the control keys to input current workout statistical variables such as muscle group, exercise, amount of weight for each exercise, repetition, number of sets and rest time in between repetitions into the device for storage and computation.
 4. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein the user utilizes the voice inputs into voice recognition software on said device to input current workout statistical variables such as muscle group, exercise, amount of weight for each exercise, repetition, number of sets and rest time in between repetitions into the device for storage and computation.
 5. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein said device is used by the user at the start of every workout to access the most effective workout routine based on past workout data entered to stimulate enhanced muscle growth.
 6. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein said central processing unit calculates a time table for increasing weight to be utilized on each type of workout.
 7. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein said central processing unit determines the sequence of weight training exercises based upon muscle groupings.
 8. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein said central processing unit determines the weight time between repetitions.
 9. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein said central processing unit maximizes said workout variables to ensure the users body has not become accustomed to any particular workout routine.
 10. The portable device as in claim 1, wherein said device strapped onto the user's body to ensure ease of user access and portability.
 11. A method for maximizing weight lifting results comprising: a. Turning on device; b. Displaying by the device a predetermined set of workout routines for a user c. Displaying by the device a predetermined weight for each exercise; d. Displaying by the device a predetermined rest time between each repetition; e. Beginning the workout by the user on a particular muscle group; f. Recording by the user actual weight utilized; g. Recording by the user actual rest time utilized; and h. Determining by said device the next set of workout routines, rest time, and weight amount, based upon muscle group to be executed by said user on the next workout session based upon prior workout and workout data inputed by user.
 12. A method for maximizing weight lifting results comprising: a. Turning on device; b. Displaying by the device a predetermined set of workout routines for a user c. Displaying by the device a predetermined weight for each exercise; d. Displaying by the device a predetermined rest time between each repetition; e. Beginning the workout by the user on a particular muscle group; f. Recording by the user actual weight utilized; g. Recording by the user actual rest time utilized; h. Determining by said device the next set of workout routines, rest time, and weight amount, based upon muscle group to be executed by said user on the next workout session based upon prior workout and workout data inputed by user; i. Loading workout statistics onto a web based machine; and j. Competing with friends through an internet device whereas personal statistics and progress is displayed to other users.
 13. A method as in claim 12 wherein said internet device is a NINTENDO WII. 